Bulls to monitor free-agent guard Roy

June 26, 2012|By K.C. Johnson | Tribune reporter

Free-agent guard Brandon Roy (shown playing for Portland against the Bulls in 2009) is being pursued by several NBA teams. (AP File Photo)

The Chicago Bulls are one of several teams who plan to explore the progress of free-agent guard Brandon Roy, who is hoping to come back from chronic knee issues that forced Portland to use the amnesty clause on the two-time All-Star after the 2010-11 season.

Yahoo Sports first reported the Bulls' interest. However, if the Bulls don't make a trade before free agency begins on July 1, they don't plan to use the midlevel exception, which Roy almost certainly would command. Yahoo reported Minnesota, Indiana, Dallas and Golden State also will pursue Roy.

Similar to last summer's pursuit of a shooting guard, the Bulls have a long list of potential free-agent targets. Over the salary cap, the Bulls only have exceptions at their disposal and any signing will have to fit a tight financial picture that includes the re-signing of Omer Asik and a possible contract extension for Taj Gibson.

Roy earned two All-Star nods in his five seasons with the Blazers, averaging 19 points.